Intermediate Pet Gundog

Service Description

Intermediate Gundog Course Designed for dogs who have completed the Foundation level, this course focuses on building reliability, steadiness, and teamwork in more challenging training situations. As dogs progress, it’s no longer enough to perform a skill when everything is calm and predictable. The Intermediate Course teaches dogs how to stay connected, responsive, and thoughtful while working at greater distances, around distractions, and in more exciting environments. Throughout the course, we’ll continue to develop the partnership between dog and handler while introducing more advanced gundog skills, including off-lead heelwork, steadiness in a walk-up line, blind retrieves, whistle stops, and directional handling. Dogs will learn to remain steady around thrown dummies, work confidently away from their handler, and respond to whistle and handling cues with greater understanding and reliability. Handlers will continue developing their timing, reward skills, and use of play as reinforcement, learning how to maintain motivation while encouraging calm, controlled decision-making. The Intermediate Course is the second step in Dogitivity’s three-level gundog pathway: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. By the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in the Intermediate Graduation Assessment. This is a supportive and enjoyable way to measure your progress and demonstrate the skills you’ve developed together. To graduate, dogs will be expected to demonstrate: * Off-lead heelwork * Steadiness in a walk-up line * Steadiness to thrown dummies * A blind retrieve at approximately 50 yards * A whistle stop at distance * Left, right, and back casts * The ability to settle between exercises Dogs who successfully meet the Intermediate criteria will be ready to move on to the Advanced Gundog Course, where we’ll focus on greater distance, more complex retrieves, and advanced working partnership. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s building reliability, confidence, and understanding so that both dog and handler are ready for the next stage of training. Your enrolment also includes access to the Dogitivity Online Gundog Course, with video demonstrations, homework, and additional guidance to support your progress between classes. Spaces are limited to ensure individual coaching and feedback.